"Financial Analyst (Hybrid)"

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,000 - $106,000.

Job Closing Date

This position is represented by Teamster's Clerical & Allied Services (CX). This position is approved for a Hybrid work modality. Currently the department works 1-2 days per week in the Downtown Campus Center. Initial applicant review and interviews will take place after January 1st, 2026.

About the Job

This is a highly analytical position that utilizes advanced-level forecasting methodologies and analytical skills to aid leadership in developing their financial resource plans, budget management, budget strategies, and distribution of resources. Having wide-range experience, Financial Analyst uses advanced professional concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex issues in creative, innovative and highly effective ways. This position works on complex issues where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors and judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Contacts are both internal and external to the department at all levels. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert in budget, staffing, and allocation of a diverse fund pool.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning and Budget Management: Applies advanced professional financial concepts to perform complex technical analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and the consequent resource allocations. This position will oversee all activities associated with creating, maintaining and reporting on operational and budget processes, budgeted FTE, the performance of financial planning (including problem definition, forecasting, data collection and development of alternative solutions), development of policy or action recommendations in the areas of budget and finance resource planning, and report preparation.
2. Manages and implements department budget allocations and conceives of and maintains department chart of accounts, other data management tools, and related business processes. Prepares, reviews, and approves financial transactions.
3. Financial Performance and Analysis: Responsible for providing analytical support for highly complex budget, financial, and resource projects dealing directly with department leadership, campus leadership, and/or outside constituents. Performs complex financial or resource research and studies for internal and external constituents. Examples include periodic financial reports, staff salary budgets and other allocations. Financial and/or resource analysis includes budgetary, financial, forecasts, projections, staff salary and FTE student enrollment, recharge or general rate, and student fees analyses, endowment income, fungibility of funds, working capital, depreciation, new building funds, etc.
4. Financial and Budgetary Data Collection: Coordinates the gathering of budgetary and resource requirements information during planning stages, such as the annual budget process and fiscal close, through the coordination of efforts of financial services employees in campus units and other departments on campus. In-depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, financial activity approvals, and financial reports.
5. Financial Forecasting, Planning and Policy Recommendations: Gathers, analyzes, prepares, summarizes and presents recommendations for complex financial and/or resource plans, including annual resource allocation approaches, trended future requirements, operating forecasts, sources and uses, etc. Examples include generating, modifying, and conceiving of new financial or other resource reports, strategic planning and modeling, analyzing and forecasting staff salary budgets and other allocations, and making recommendations for maximizing financial other resource outcomes.
6. Other duties to support the campus as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area; and
• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting or 9 years equivalent related experience/education as stated above (required); and
• Related professional certification (preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, budget development, and financial management in a complex organizational environment. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• In depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
• Advanced interpersonal skills at all levels within the organization; advanced service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. In depth ability to use organizational skills to multi-task in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
• Knowledge of policies, practices, and systems related to academic affairs.

How to Apply:

An online application is required for each position to apply.